“I’m nervous for every match I play at Wimbledon!”– said Elena Rybakina after her first-round win in the Grass Slam. Rightly so, the favorites, strongest, and the top players are already out of the championship even before they made it to the quarterfinals. The grass slam is as unpredictable as the weather of London, things change at the roll of a die. However, for the Kazakh player, the subdued celebration of her smooth journey has worked for her as she looks for another Grass glory!

Many believed that Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, and Arena Sabalenka would be the ‘favorites’ to make it to the quarterfinals. However, much like the rains of Wimbledon which have been pouring every day, unexpectedly, the favorites have exited the tournament as it reached R4. Now, the last ‘favorite’ standing is the former Wimbledon champion, Rybakina. Who quietly ousted Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets, losing just one game in the R3 to make it to R4. Contrary to the other players, who have had a huge fan support celebrating their every win. At the same time, Rybakina preferred to keep the drumrolls of her win aside.

It was at Wimbledon 2022 that Rybakina made history by becoming the first Kazakh to win a major title. However, in the last two years since then, she was unable to get a hold of another Grand Slam title. Her remarkable performances in the tournaments make her a formidable opponent. Flying under the radar has certainly helped the Kazakh to keep her focus on the tournament and she might make it to the quarterfinals if things go her way!

Rybakina certainly has an advantage. She not only knows the grass turf well, but also knows how to win on it. And it seems stars are on her side as, despite a slow start, she proceeded to the quarterfinals. However, some tennis fans were unable to enjoy Rybakina’s good day on the court!

Rybakina makes it to the quarterfinals as Anna Kalinskaya retires in the middle

In the beginning of the match, Kalinskaya seemed to be in control, with Sinner supporting her in the crowd. She led 2-0 as the Kazakh struggled to find form. And everyone thought it was the Russian who would raise her hands in the air at the end. However, it didn’t take Rybakina to remember her way through the turf she conquered two years back. And claimed the 1st set with 6-3, Rybakina was dominant as the match proceeded. But things took a sad turn on a good day for Rybakina.

Kalinskaya retired in the middle of 2nd set due to injury and nothing could be more devastating than having to give up on the dream without a fight. And Rybakina made it to the quarterfinal as the Russian wept her way out of the Centre Court.

Two sides of the same coin, win and lose, fitness and health. And Rybkina is certainly on advantage today as she won this toss at the Grass Slam, while Kalinskaya featured on the wrong side!